Automated retractable step system, sensor system for a moveable vehicle member, and actuator assembly for a moveable vehicle member

ABSTRACT

An automated retractable step system has at least one linkage subassembly for attachment to a vehicle frame. A step is attached to the linkage subassembly and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. An actuator is coupled with the linkage subassembly for moving the step between the stowed and deployed positions. A sensor subassembly includes a sensing electrode and a reference electrode disposed adjacent to the sensing electrode and a driven shield electrode extending generally parallel to and in a spaced relationship with the sensing electrode and the reference electrode. A controller is electrically connected to the sensing electrode and to the reference electrode and to the driven shield electrode. The controller is also electrically connected to the actuator for controlling the actuator to move the step between the stowed position and the deployed position in response to the signal from the sensor subassembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/160,427 filed May 20, 2016 which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/165,676, filed May 22, 2015. Theentire content of each of the above applications is incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to automotive vehicles, andmore particularly to actuatable members on motor vehicles, such as stepsand running boards, and to electronic sensor systems and actuatorassemblies therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Drop-down or retractable steps and running boards for vehicles aregenerally known, and are most commonly used for sport utility vehiclesand pick-up trucks, which sit relatively high off of the ground ascompared to a typical passenger vehicle. Retractable steps move betweena retracted position stowed adjacent to the vehicle frame or body and adeployed position extended for use away from the vehicle frame.

Typical retractable steps are activated for movement to the deployedposition by a signal received by a vehicle's computer, wherein thesignal is directly associated with a signal indicating that one or moreof the doors are open, sometimes referred to as a “door ajar” signal.Each retractable step may be activated separately from one another,depending on which side of the vehicle a door has been opened.Similarly, some trucks are known to include retractable steps to provideaccess to a truck bed. These steps may also be controlled based on thedoor ajar signal, or may alternatively be controlled using a manualswitch.

One problem that exists with current retractable steps occurs duringinstallation, in that configuring the step to be actuated based on thedoor ajar signal in the vehicle computer is laborious and timeconsuming. Additionally, different vehicle assembly lines have differentmethodologies for identifying the vehicle's door ajar signal, which maychange the way the retractable step is configured for actuation andinstalled on the vehicle.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a retractable step system whichactuates when desired, independently from the door ajar signal,facilitates ease of installation and convenient of use, includinghands-free operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This section provides a general summary of the present disclosure and isnot intended to be interpreted as a comprehensive disclosure of its fullscope or all of its features, aspects and objectives.

It is one aspect of the present disclosure to provide an automatedextendable/retractable step system including at least one linkagesubassembly for attachment to a vehicle frame. A step is attached to thelinkage subassembly and is movable between a retracted, stowed positionin proximity to the vehicle frame and an extended, deployed positiondisposed away from the vehicle frame. An actuator is operably coupledwith the step via the linkage subassembly, wherein the actuator drivesthe linkage assembly to move the step between the stowed position andthe deployed position. A sensor subassembly and a controller, whereinthe controller is configured in electrical communication with anelectrical power source, the sensor subassembly, and with the actuatorfor signaling the actuator to move the step between the stowed anddeployed positions in response to a signal received from the sensorsubassembly.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the sensorsubassembly of the automated retractable step system can include asensing electrode and a reference electrode disposed adjacent thesensing electrode.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the sensorsubassembly of the automated retractable step system can be configuredsuch that the reference electrode extends about the sensing electrode inlaterally spaced relation therefrom.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the referenceelectrode and the sensing electrode of the automated retractable stepsystem can be configured in substantially coplanar relation with oneanother.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the sensorsubassembly of the automated retractable step system can include adriven shield electrode overlying the sensing electrode and thereference electrode to inhibit parasitic capacitance between a vehicleframe member and the sensing and reference electrodes.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the driven shieldelectrode of the automated retractable step system can be configured toextend within a plane generally parallel to and in a spaced relationwith plane containing the sensing electrode and the reference electrode.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a sensor system fora moveable vehicle member is provided. The sensor system includes asensor subassembly including a sensing electrode and a referenceelectrode disposed adjacent the sensing electrode. Further, a controlleris configured in operable communication with the sensor subassembly forcommanding the moveable vehicle member to move between a deployed stateand a retracted state in response to receiving a signal from the sensorsubassembly.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the referenceelectrode of the sensor system can be configured to extend about thesensing electrode in spaced relation therefrom.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the referenceelectrode and the sensing electrode of the sensor system can be insubstantially coplanar relation with one another.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the sensorsubassembly of the sensor system can include a driven shield electrodeoverlying the sensing electrode and t reference electrode.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the driven shieldelectrode of the sensor system can be configured to extend within aplane generally parallel to and in a spaced relation with the planecontaining the sensing electrode and the reference electrode.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the controller ofthe sensor system can be configured having a sleep state and a powerstate, wherein controller scans for singles from the sensor subassemblyover a first time interval while in the sleep state and scans forsignals from the sensor subassembly over a second time interval while inthe power state, wherein the first time interval is greater than thesecond time interval.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an actuator assemblyis provided for operably controlling the movement of a vehiclecomponent. The actuator assembly includes an actuator, a controller anda sensor subassembly having a sensing electrode, a reference electrode,and a driven shield electrode. The controller is configured inelectrical communication with an electrical power source, the sensorsubassembly, and with the actuator for signaling the actuator to movethe vehicle component in response to a signal received from the sensorsubassembly.

These and other aspects and areas of applicability will become apparentfrom the description provided herein. The description and specificexamples in this summary are intended for purpose of illustration onlyand are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all implementations, and are not intendedto limit the present disclosure to only that actually shown. With thisin mind, various features and advantages of example embodiments of thepresent disclosure will become apparent to one possessing ordinary skillin the art from the following written description and appended claimswhen considered in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a vehicle having an automatedextendable/retractable step system in accordance with an aspect of thedisclosure illustrating the system in an extended, deployed position;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged perspective view of the automatedextendable/retractable step system of FIG. 1 illustrating a step of thestep system in an extended, deployed position;

FIG. 2 is view similar to FIG. 1A showing the step in a retracted,stowed position;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of an end cap of the step system ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an end perspective view the end cap of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is plan view showing a configuration of at least a portion of asensor subassembly of the automated retractable step system of FIG. 2 inaccordance with one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the sensor subassembly of FIG. 5 with ashield electrode of the assembly lying in spaced relation thereover;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of a step of an automatedretractable step system in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is perspective view of a sensor subassembly of an automatedretractable step of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating capacitance versus time of a sensingelectrode and reference electrode of an automated retractable stepsystem in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating a ratio versus time of the capacitanceof the reference electrode to the capacitance of the sensing electrodeof an automated retractable step system in accordance with an aspect ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram generally depicting the various components ofan automated retractable step system in accordance with an aspect of thedisclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating current draw versus time of an automatedretractable step system in accordance with an aspect of the disclosurein a power state and in a sleep state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, details are set forth to provide anunderstanding of the present disclosure. In some instances, certaincircuits, structures and techniques have not been described or shown indetail in order not to obscure the disclosure.

For clarity purposes, example embodiments are discussed herein to conveythe scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the relevant art.Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specificcomponents, devices, and methods, in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not bediscussed herein, such as well-known processes, well-known devicestructures, and well-known technologies, as they are already wellunderstood by those skilled in the art, and that example embodiments maybe embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construedto limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or feature is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” “coupled to” “operably connected to” or “in operablecommunication with” another element or feature, it may be directly on,engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, orintervening elements or features may be present. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,”“directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element orfeature, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyand expressly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element,component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed asecond element, component, region, layer or section without departingfrom the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated degreesor at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptions usedherein interpreted accordingly.

In general, the present disclosure relates to automated movement systemsof the type well-suited for use in virtually all vehicle applications.The automated retractable step system of this disclosure will bedescribed in conjunction with one or more example embodiments. However,the specific example embodiments disclosed are merely provided todescribe the inventive concepts, features, advantages and objectiveswill sufficient clarity to permit those skilled in this art tounderstand and practice the disclosure.

More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system fordeploying or retracting a step on a vehicle. The automated retractablestep system, however, should be understood to also contemplate controlof other vehicle structures including running boards and closure memberscapable of being open/closed and/or released in association with avehicle.

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views, an automated retractable/extendablestep system, referred to hereafter as step system 20, is disclosed.According to an aspect of the disclosure, the step system 20 is used fora vehicle 10, and is shown incorporated for use as a truck bed step(e.g. forward of the rear wheel of a truck or at the rear of the truckto gain access to the rear cargo bed of a truck; however, the stepsystem 20 could instead be used for retractable running boards on astandard SUV, for example. As best shown in the extended, deployedposition of FIG. 1, the step system 20 includes at least one linkagesubassembly 22 operably connected to a mount member 23 for attachment toa vehicle frame member 21. A step 24 is attached to one end of thelinkage subassembly 22, while the mount member 23 is attached to anopposite end of the linkage subassembly 22. The step 24 is movablebetween an extended, deployed position (FIG. 1) disposed away from thevehicle frame and a retracted, stowed position (FIG. 2) in proximity tothe vehicle frame.

The step 24 can be provide as a generally lightweight platform, having atubular body extending between opposite open ends 25, 27. The tubularbody is shown, by way of example and without limitation, as having agenerally rectangular shape with a top surface 29 and a bottom surface31 extending between the opposite open ends 25, 27. The open ends 25, 27of the tubular body are closed off by end caps 26 (FIGS. 3 and 4).

The end caps 26 are generally cup-shaped, having an inner cavity orpocket 35 extending into an open end 28 to a closed end 30. The end cap26 has an upper surface or portion 32 configured to aligned in generallyflush relation with the top surface 29 of the step tubular body and alower surface or portion 34 configured to aligned in generally flushrelation with the bottom surface 31 of the step tubular body with a pairof laterally spaced sidewalls 33 extending between and connecting theupper and lower portions 32 with one another. The sidewalls 33 are shownas extending upwardly from the lower portion 34 and diverging away fromone another to the upper portion 32. To facilitate fixing the end cap 26to the tubular body of the step 24, the end cap 26 further includes atleast one, and shown as a plurality of upper tabs or protrusions 36extending laterally from the upper portion 32 away from the open end 28and pocket 35 and at least one, and shown as a plurality of lower tabsor protrusions 38 extending laterally from the lower portion 34 awayfrom the open end 28 of the pocket 35 for insertion into the tubularbody of the step 24 and securing the end cap 26 to the step 24. It willbe appreciated that other fixing mechanisms for attaching the end caps26 to the step 24 can be used, and further the step 24 and/or end cap 26may be alternatively shaped or arranged than described or shown herein.

An actuator 40 (FIGS. 1-2 and 11) is operably coupled with the linkagesubassembly 22 for moving the step 24 between the retracted, stowedposition and the extended, deployed position. The actuator 40 includes agear train subassembly 41 and an electric motor 43 operably coupled tothe gear train subassembly 41 for moving the gear train subassembly 41and the linkage subassembly 22 in response to an electrical voltageapplied to the electric motor 43. It should be understood that the step24 may be moved by alternative mechanisms or actuators 40 and linkagestructures such as, but not limited to linear actuators, servo motors,rack and pinion, and electrohydraulic actuators.

A sensor subassembly 42 (FIGS. 4-6 and 11) is operably attached to theactuator 40 and is shown attached to an inner surface of the lowerportion 34 of the end cap 26, by way of example and without limitation.The sensor subassembly 42, also referred to as capacitive gesturesensor, includes a sensing electrode 44 extending lengthwise along thelower portion 34 of the end cap 26 and disposed extending between theopen end 28 and the closed end 30 of the end cap 26. The sensorsubassembly 42 also includes a reference electrode 46 disposed annularlyabout the sensing electrode 44, wherein the respective electrodes 44, 46are shown as be coplanar or substantially coplanar, with the referenceelectrode 46 extending around the entirety or substantial entirety ofthe outer periphery of the lower portion 34 of the end cap 26 and inspaced relation about the centrally bounded sensing electrode 44. Thesensor subassembly 42 additionally includes a driven shield electrode 48(FIG. 6) attached to an inner surface of the upper portion 32 of the endcap 26 above the sensing electrode 44 and reference electrode 46 inoverlying relation thereto. The driven shield electrode 48 is containedgenerally within a plane extending generally parallel to and inoverlying, laterally spaced relation with the plane containing thesensing electrode 44 and the reference electrode 46. The driven shieldelectrode 48 minimizes parasitic capacitance between the vehicle frameand the sensing electrode 44 and the reference electrode 46, therebyenhancing the ability of the sensing electrode 44 to detect an objectbeneath the step 24, as intended. While the sensor subassembly 42 isdescribed and shown as being attached to the inner surface of end cap26, it should be recognized that the sensor subassembly 42 can bemounted or attached in alternate locations on or inside the vehicle. Forexample, the sensor subassembly 42 may alternatively be disposedunderneath the step 24 (FIG. 7), wherein the sensor subassembly 42 canbe protected by being sealed within a protective cover 45 (FIG. 8) andattached within a recessed housing or pocket 47 formed in the bottomsurface 31 of the step 24. Additionally, it should be appreciated thatthe sensor subassembly 42 could alternatively be used for other vehicleapplications, instead of, or in addition to the step 24, for example arunning board. The sensor subassembly 42 can also be used with otherpowered devices.

The sensor subassembly 42 produces an electrostatic field and outputs asignal indicating the presence of an object in proximity to the sensingelectrode 44 and reference electrode 46 (FIG. 9). As best shown in FIG.10, the ratio between the capacitances of the sensing and referenceelectrodes 44, 46 is constant if the object is placed in front of orpassing by the sensing electrode 44 and reference electrode 46. Thecapacitances and ratio of capacitances of the sensor subassembly 42 aredefined by the following equations:Ca=capacitance of sensing electrode 44=ξ*Sa/d; Cr=capacitance ofreference electrode 46=*Sr/d(Where: ξ—dielectric constant, Sa&Sr—electrode surface area, d—Object distance from electrodes).

The ratio: Ca/Cr=Sa/Sr.

With the ratio remaining constant between the two measured capacitances(i.e. Ca=Cr) when an object is placed in the front of the sensingelectrode 44 and reference electrode 46, natural filtering of unwantedsensor activation is provided.

Sensor subassemblies 42 of the type described herein are generallycapable of sensing materials such as paper, glass, liquids, cloth, andother nonmetallic materials including biological materials, such as bodytissue. Additionally, sensor subassemblies 42 herein may also detectmetal objects in proximity. The sensor subassembly 42 can include anoscillator circuit 50 and a detector or trigger circuit 52 (FIG. 11),both electrically connected to the sensing electrode 44 and to thereference electrode 46. As an object nears the sensor subassembly 42 andenters the electrostatic field produced by the sensing electrode 44 andthe reference electrode 46, a change in the capacitance occurs in theoscillator circuit 50. As a result, the oscillator circuit 50 begins tooscillate and the trigger circuit 52 alters the signal output from thesensor subassembly 42 in response to a predetermined amplitude ofoscillation from the oscillator circuit 50. As the object moves awayfrom the sensing electrode 44 and the reference electrode 46 and awayfrom the electrostatic field, the amplitude of the oscillation in theoscillator circuit 50 decreases and the trigger circuit 52 can changethe output signal of the of the sensor subassembly 42, indicating thatthe object is no longer in proximity of the sensor and referenceelectrodes 44, 46. The ability of the sensor subassembly 42 to detect anobject is determined by the object's size, the object's dielectricconstant, and the object's distance from the sensing electrode 44 andreference electrode 46. Accordingly, the sensor subassembly 42 can beconfigured to avoid actuation of the step 24 in the presence of objectsnot meeting the preset criteria to cause actuation.

As best shown in FIG. 11, sensor system is shown, including a controller54 configured in electrical communication with an electrical powersource 56, and can be directly connected thereto, as well as beingconnected for electrical communication with the sensing electrode 44,the reference electrode 46, and the driven shield electrode 48, such avia a wire harness 57. The controller 54 is also configured inelectrical communication with the actuator 40 for commanding andcontrolling the actuator 40 to move the step 24 between the retracted,stowed position and the extended, deployed position in response to thesignal from the sensor subassembly 42. The controller 54 may also filterthe signal from the sensor subassembly 42 as necessary to filterunwanted signals from the sensor subassembly 42 to avoid an unwantedactuation of the step 24 (e.g. from water on or near the sensorsubassembly 42). While the sensor subassembly 42 may include theoscillator circuit 50 and the trigger circuit 52 as described above, itshould be appreciated that the sensor subassembly 42 may not include oremploy these circuits 50, 52 and/or they may be disposed remotely fromthe sensor subassembly 42, such as in the controller 54, for example.Additionally, the controller 54 disclosed herein is described as aseparate element, however, it should be understood that the controller54, or a portion thereof, may be integrated into another electroniccontrol module on the vehicle, such as, but not limited to a bodycontrol module (BCM).

The controller 54 includes a processor 58, also referred to as centralprocessing unit (“CPU”), a memory 60, and an interface device 62. Thememory 60 may include a variety of storage devices including internalmemory and external mass storage typically arranged in a hierarchy ofstorage as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, thememory 60 may include databases, random access memory (“RAM”), read-onlymemory (“ROM”), flash memory, and/or disk devices. The interface device62 may include one or more network connections (e.g. CAN bus). Thecontroller 54 may be adapted for communication with other dataprocessing systems over a network via the interface device 62. Forexample, the interface device 62 may include an interface to a networksuch as a local area network (“LAN”), etc. As such, the interface mayinclude suitable transmitters, receivers, etc. Thus, the controller 54may be linked to other data processing systems or vehicle systems 64 bythe network. The processor 58 may include or be operatively coupled todedicated coprocessors, memory devices, or other hardware modules. TheCPU 58 is operatively coupled to the memory 60 which stores an operatingsystem for general management of the controller 54. The controller 54may include a data store or database system for storing data andprogramming information. The database system may include a databasemanagement system and a database and may be stored in the memory 60 ofthe controller 54. In general, the controller 54 has stored therein datarepresenting sequences of instructions which, when executed, operate theautomated retractable step system 20 as described herein. Of course, thecontroller 54 may contain additional software and hardware a descriptionof which is not necessary for understanding the present disclosure.

Thus, the controller 54 includes computer executable programmedinstructions for directing the controller 54 to implement theembodiments of the present disclosure. The programmed instructions maybe embodied in one or more hardware modules or software modules residentin the memory 60 of the controller 54 or elsewhere. Alternatively, theprogrammed instructions maybe embodied on a computer readable medium orproduct (e.g., a memory stick, etc.) which may be used for transportingthe programmed instructions to the memory 60 of the controller 54.Alternatively, the programmed instructions may be embedded in acomputer-readable signal or signal-bearing medium or product that isuploaded to a network by a vendor or supplier of the programmedinstructions, and this signal or signal-bearing medium may be downloadedthrough an interface to the controller 54 from the network by end usersor potential buyers.

As shown in FIG. 12, the controller 54 has a sleep state and a powerstate and may be coupled with other vehicle systems 64 for receivingsignals or messages indicating changes to the other vehicle systems 64(e.g. change transmission gear selector to park and vehicle speed). Thesignals or messages of these vehicle systems 64 can be provided throughvarious techniques such as, but not limited to hardwired inputs to thecontroller 54 or messages transmitted via a vehicle bus communicationsystem (e.g. controller 54 area network, “CAN”, local interconnectnetwork “LIN”) and received by the interface device 62 of the controller54. The controller 54 additionally scans or monitors for signal of thesensor subassembly 42 at predetermined intervals of time. Theseintervals of time vary depending on if the controller 54 is operating inthe sleep state or in the power state. For instance, in the sleep state,the controller 54 may only scan for signal of the sensor subassembly 42every 23 milliseconds, whereas, during the power state, the controller54 may scan for signal of the sensor subassembly 42 every 5milliseconds. The sleep state is intended to reduce power consumption,more specifically, reduce the current draw of the sensor subassembly 42during times when the controller 54 does not need to scan for the signalof the sensor subassembly 42. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12,the current draw may be reduced from 300 milliamps in the power state to300 microamps in the sleep state. The controller 54 is intended toremain in the sleep state while in motion, and the controller 54transitions to the power state when the transmission is shifted intopark. After the controller 54 signals the actuator 40 to move the step24 to the deployed position, the step 24 is intended to remain in thedeployed position until the transmission is shifted out of park and thevehicle speed is over a predetermined speed (e.g. 8 miles per hour).However, the step 24 could alternatively be moved back to the retractedposition in response to some other command input, such as a manuallyactivated switch, by way of example and without limitation.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the automated retractablestep system 20 is intended to be used without any authentication, ifdesired. In other words, if the vehicle is in park and the step 24 is inthe retracted position, any object placed in proximity to the sensorsubassembly 42 will cause the step 24 to be moved to the deployedposition. Therefore, persons near the vehicle can purposefully cause thestep 24 to be moved to the deployed position. This is advantageous, iffor example, the automated retractable step system 20 is used with atruck at a worksite and a worker needs to access the truck bed, theworker can do so simply by intentionally activating the sensorsubassembly 42, such as via placement of a foot, hand, or otherwisewithin proximity of the sensor subassembly 42, thereby not requiringauthentication via a vehicle action, if the automated retractable stepsystem 20 is configured in a setting by the vehicle owner to allow suchnon-authenticated deployment.

However, the automated retractable step system 20 may also work inconjunction with a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) entry system. ThePEPS entry system 66 (FIG. 11) may include a keypad used forauthentication and may also include a fob which is portable and includesa first transceiver for wireless communication. If the PEPS entry system66 is used in conjunction with the automated retractable step system 20,the controller 54 may optionally include a second transceiver forwireless communication with the first transceiver of the fob, whereinthe fob is used as authentication of an authorized user of the automatedstep 24 assembly. Alternatively, the fob may communicate with a separatemodule of the PEPS entry system 66, which then may communicate with thecontroller 54.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the controller 54 can beconfigured having an unauthenticated mode and an authenticated mode. Thecontroller 54 operates in the authenticated mode in response to the fob,by way of example and without limitation, wirelessly communicating withthe controller 54 and authenticating the user. Likewise, the controller54 operates in the unauthenticated mode in response to a lack ofwireless communication with the fob. For example, if the fob is out ofrange of the controller 54 or otherwise unable to wirelessly communicatewith the controller 54 to authenticate the user, the controller 54 willremain in the unauthenticated mode. Consequently, the controller 54 cancommand the actuator 40 to move the step 24 between the retracted,stowed position and the extended, deployed position in response to thesignal from the sensor subassembly 42 while in the unauthenticated modeand in response to the controller 54 alone while operating in theauthenticated mode.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that in addition to theapplicability to an automated retractable step system 20, the sensorsubassembly 42 and controller 54 may be used for controlling actuationof additional moveable vehicular members and functions. A non-limitinglisting of such additional members and functions may include powerwindow control, power release of vehicular doors in addition tolock/unlock functionality, and lock/unlock and power release of vehicleclosures. It should also be recognized that the retractable step 24system or additional vehicular functions being controlled may be locatedremotely from the sensor subassembly 42.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that concepts disclosed inassociation with an example automated retractable step system 20 canlikewise be implemented into many other vehicular systems to control oneor more operations and/or functions. Means of activating the actuator 40and moving the step 24, other than the use of capacitive gesture sensingmay be employed. These alternatives to capacitive sensors may include,without limitation, resistive sensors, temperature sensors, and opticalscanners or any combination thereof provided that they are non-forcebased inputs.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present disclosureare possible in light of the above teachings and may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automated retractable step for a motorvehicle, comprising: a linkage subassembly having a first end attachedto a frame portion of the vehicle; a step operably coupled to a secondend of said linkage subassembly and moveable between a non-deployedposition when said linkage subassembly is located in a retractedposition relative to the frame portion and a deployed position when saidlinkage subassembly is located in an extended position relative to theframe portion; an actuator including an electric motor driving a geartrain subassembly operably coupled to the linkage subassembly for movingsaid linkage subassembly between its retracted and extended positions; acapacitive gesture sensor subassembly; at least one endcap supportingsaid capacitive gesture sensor subassembly and mounted to said step; anda controller in operable communication with said capacitive gesturesensor subassembly and said electric motor for commanding said electricmotor to drive said linkage subassembly from its retracted position intoits extended position for moving said step from its non-deployedposition into its deployed position in response to a signal from saidcapacitive gesture sensor subassembly, wherein said at least one endcaphas an upper surface and a lower surface positioned in spacedrelationship with said upper surface, wherein said capacitive gesturesensor subassembly includes a sensing electrode and a referenceelectrode connected to said lower surface of said at least one endcap,and wherein said capacitive gesture sensor subassembly further includesa driven shield electrode connected to said upper surface of said endcapand in an overlying relationship with said sensing electrode and saidreference electrode.
 2. The automated retractable step as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said sensing electrode extends lengthwise across saidlower surface of said at least one endcap, and wherein said referenceelectrode extends completely about and is spaced from said sensingelectrode.
 3. The automated retractable step as set forth in claim 1wherein said step extends between a pair of open ends, and wherein saidat least one endcap includes a pair of endcaps with each of said endcapsclosing one of said ends of said step.
 4. The automated retractable stepas set forth in claim 1 wherein said controller is configured to beoperated in a sleep state and a power state, wherein said controllerscans for signals from said capacitive gesture sensor subassembly at afirst predetermined frequency in said sleep state, wherein saidcontroller scans for signals from said capacitive gesture sensorsubassembly at a second predetermined frequency in said power state, andwherein said second predetermined frequency is greater than said firstpredetermined frequency.
 5. The automated retractable step as set forthin claim 4 wherein said controller is configured to operate in saidpower state in response to a detection that a transmission of thevehicle shifts from a drive mode to a park mode.
 6. The automatedretractable step as set forth in claim 1 wherein said controller isconfigured to selectively operate in an unauthenticated mode and anauthenticated mode, wherein when said controller operates in saidunauthenticated mode, said controller is configured to move said stepfrom said retracted position to said deployed position in response toany detection of movement in front of said capacitive gesture sensorsubassembly, and wherein when said controller operates in saidauthenticated mode, said controller is configured to move said step fromsaid retracted position to said deployed position only in response toboth a detection of movement in front of said capacitive gesture sensorsubassembly and a detection of a wireless communication device being inclose proximity to the vehicle.
 7. An automated retractable step for amotor vehicle, comprising: a step moveable between a retracted, stowedposition, and an extended, deployed position; an actuator operablycoupled with said step and configured to provide the movement of saidstep between said retracted, stowed position, and said extended,deployed position; a sensor subassembly connected to said step andconfigured to detect movement proximate to said step; and a controllerin communication with said sensor subassembly and with said actuator andconfigured to command said actuator to move said step between saidretracted, stowed position and said extended, deployed position inresponse to a signal from said sensor subassembly, wherein a bottomsurface of said step defines a pocket, wherein a protective cover ispositioned in said pocket, and wherein said sensor subassembly is sealedwithin said protective cover.
 8. The automated retractable step as setforth in claim 7 wherein at least one endcap is connected to said step,and wherein said endcap supports said sensor subassembly.
 9. Theautomated retractable step as set forth in claim 8 wherein said stepextends between a pair of open ends, and wherein said at least oneendcap includes a pair of endcaps with each of said endcaps closing oneof said open ends of said step.
 10. The automated retractable step asset forth in claim 7 wherein said controller is configured to beoperated in a sleep state and a power state, wherein said controllerscans for signals from said sensor subassembly at a first predeterminedfrequency in said sleep state, wherein said controller scans for signalsfrom said sensor subassembly at a second predetermined frequency in saidpower state, and wherein said second predetermined frequency is greaterthan said first predetermined frequency.
 11. The automated retractablestep as set forth in claim 10 wherein the controller is configured tooperate in the power state in response to a detection that atransmission of the vehicle shifts from a drive mode to a park mode. 12.The automated retractable step as set forth in claim 7 wherein saidcontroller is configured to selectively operate in an unauthenticatedmode and an authenticated mode, wherein when said controller operates insaid unauthenticated mode said controller is configured to move saidstep from said retracted position to said deployed position in responseto any detection of movement in front of said sensor subassembly, andwherein when said controller operates in said authenticated mode saidcontroller is configured to move said step from said retracted positionto said deployed position only in response to both a detection ofmovement in front of said sensor subassembly and a detection of awireless communication device in close proximity to the vehicle.
 13. Anautomated retractable step for a motor vehicle, comprising: a stepcoupled to a frame of the vehicle and moveable between a retracted,stowed position, and an extended, deployed position; an actuatoroperably coupled with said step and configured to provide said movementof said step between said retracted, stowed position, and said extended,deployed position; a capacitive gesture sensor subassembly connected tosaid step and configured to detect movement proximate to said step; anda controller in communication with said capacitive gesture sensorsubassembly and with said actuator and configured to command saidactuator to move said step between said retracted, stowed position andsaid extended, deployed position in response to a signal from saidsensor subassembly indicating a detection of movement proximate to saidstep, wherein a bottom surface of said step defines a pocket, wherein aprotective cover is positioned within said pocket, and wherein saidcapacitive gesture sensor subassembly is sealed within said protectivecover.
 14. The automated retractable step for a motor vehicle as setforth in claim 13 wherein at least one endcap is connected to said step,and wherein said at least one endcap supports said capacitive gesturesensor subassembly.
 15. The automated retractable step as set forth inclaim 13 wherein said controller is configured to be operated in a sleepstate and a power state, wherein said controller scans for signals fromsaid capacitive gesture sensor subassembly at a first predeterminedfrequency in said sleep state, wherein said controller scans for signalsfrom said capacitive gesture sensor subassembly at a secondpredetermined frequency in said power state, and wherein said secondpredetermined frequency is greater than said first predeterminedfrequency.
 16. The automated retractable step as set forth in claim 15wherein said controller is configured to operate in said power state inresponse to a detection that a transmission of the vehicle shifts from adrive mode to a park mode.
 17. The automated retractable step as setforth in claim 13 wherein said controller is configured to selectivelyoperate in an unauthenticated mode and an authenticated mode, whereinwhen said controller operates in said unauthenticated mode saidcontroller is configured to move said step from said retracted positionto said deployed position in response to any detection of movement infront of said capacitive gesture sensor subassembly, and wherein whensaid controller operates in said authenticated mode said controller isconfigured to move said step from said retracted position to saiddeployed position only in response to both a detection of movement infront of said capacitive gesture sensor subassembly and in response to adetection of a wireless communication device in close proximity to thevehicle.